Masks, Stencils…one's the negative of the other. Masks block out an area with am image. Stencils allow you to color in an area with an image. A mask is really like the guts (the part they throw out) of a stencil.
Here's one way to use a mask to get a two-tone watercolor effect. This is a great technique for backgrounds or “empty spaces”, like the inside covers of a mini book:
You'll need the following:
- Smooch Spritz or spray ink in two complimentary colors
- Spray bottle with water
- American Craft Slick Writer or other permanent ink pen
- Masks (these are from Prima)
- Something to make your image on
- Paper towels
Lay the masks onto the project or layout as you desire.
Starting with one color of spray ink, spray over the area the masks are on.
Before that dries, spray the other color of ink on the areas that don't yet have ink.
Now spray it all with a spray bottle.
The water in the spray bottle makes the inks dissipate and meld together.
This is a fabulous watercolor-like effect!!!
Remove the masks and blot off the excess ink with a couple layers of papers towels. You'll need a couple layers because of all the water that needs to be soaked up.
Allow this to dry for about an hour before using it in a book or on a layout. This is because of the water that has soaked into the paper during this process. It will interfere with your adhesive's ability to “stick”. If you were doing this with just Smooch Spritz and no water, you'd have to wait maybe 5-10 mins for this to dry. I don't recommend a heat gun for this because that makes the fibers in the paper shrink rapidly and you'll get alot of bubbling and warping of the paper.
And that's it! Easy peasy two-tone watercolor effects with masks.
Like this technique? I'm sharing lots more in my The Painted Page class on My Creative Classroom starting today. You can sign up any time over the next week–hope you'll join us!!
Happy Inking!
Adorable work dear.
Sudha
sudha-kalra.blogspot.com